In refineries, reforming unit is a very crucial unit to meet the requirements of clean fuels. The increasing demand of high octane reformates for gasoline blending and hydrogen for other refinery operations is proving beneficial for the reforming unit market. Reforming unit changes the molecular structure of crude and coker naptha to produce reformate which is a high octane primary gasoline blend stock. The reforming process uses heat, moderate pressure and catalyst to produce reformate. The reforming process uses three separate catalyst reactors. Each reactor operates under carefully controlled temperature and pressure levels. The typical feedstocks to catalytic reformers are naphtha and HSR (heavy straight run) gasoline which are obtained from the crude distillation unit. Naphtha is used as a feedstock for the process. Naphtha is mixed with hydrogen and fed through the reactor chamber in sequence. Excess hydrogen formed during the process is recovered and used in the subsequent reforming process and in other process throughout the refinery. The other products of reforming are high-octane gasoline blended component called reformate and light gases. In reforming unit, paraffins are converted into isoparaffins and naphthenes, naphthenes are converted to aromatics. The products depend upon the temperature, pressure, the catalyst used and the hydrogen recycle rate in the reactor.

The reforming unit market can be segmented on the basis of process into Thermal reforming and Catalytic reforming. Catalytic reforming unit uses a catalyst to combine low weight naphtha into aromatics. These aromatics are further used in making chemicals and in blending gasoline. In a refinery, a catalytic reforming unit is used to convert low grade naphtha that has lower octane value into higher octane naphtha. This high octane naphtha is used for gasoline blending. Also, a catalytic reforming unit supplies BTX (Benzene Toluene Xylene) for sales to chemical plants. Thermal reforming unit operates at a very high temperature in comparison of the catalytic reforming unit. The products obtained from thermal reforming are residual oil, gasoline and gas. The quantity and amount of reformate obtained from thermal reforming process depends upon the temperature. High operating temperature will result in high octane reformate but the quality of yield obtained will be less. The yield can be increased at high temperature by using catalyst during the process.

Increase in demand of high octane gasoline is driving the market. Moreover, hydrogen being the by-product of the unit is used in several processes in the refinery. However, it is very challenging to maintain the heater outlet temperature on all reactor heaters. The outlet temperature is maintained to ensure the quality of end products. Reforming unit provides hydrogen for various other units such as hydrocracker, hydro-theaters and isomerization unit so it is very essential to keep the unit running. In case of an unscheduled shutdown of the reforming unit, output of other units will also suffer as these units are dependent upon the hydrogen generated by a reforming unit. This will result in a monetary loss to the company.

This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report include

North America

Asia Pacific

Europe

Rest of the World

This report provides comprehensive analysis of

Market growth drivers

Factors limiting market growth

Current market trends

Market structure

Market projections for upcoming years

This report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porter’s five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.

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